Shoulder osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that affects the cartilage in the shoulder joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. It most commonly involves the glenohumeral joint (the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder) but can also affect the acromioclavicular joint.
Causes of Shoulder Osteoarthritis
- Age-Related Wear and Tear
- Common in individuals over 50 due to the natural degeneration of cartilage.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis
- Develops after a shoulder injury, such as a fracture, dislocation, or ligament damage.
- Overuse or Repetitive Strain
- Common in athletes or those with jobs requiring repetitive shoulder movements.
- Genetics
- Family history of osteoarthritis can increase risk.
- Inflammatory Conditions
- Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis may predispose individuals to osteoarthritis.
- Avascular Necrosis
- Disrupted blood supply to the shoulder bone can cause cartilage damage.
- Obesity and Poor Posture
- These can increase stress on the shoulder joint over time.
Symptoms
- Persistent or intermittent pain in the shoulder.
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after inactivity.
- Crepitus (grinding or cracking sounds during movement).
- Reduced range of motion.
- Swelling or tenderness around the joint.
Treatment Options
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Lifestyle Modifications
- Avoid activities that aggravate symptoms.
- Maintain good posture to reduce joint stress.
- Physical Therapy
- Strengthening shoulder muscles to improve joint stability.
- Stretching exercises to enhance flexibility.
- Medications
- Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen or NSAIDs like ibuprofen).
- Topical analgesics.
- Corticosteroid Injections
- For severe pain, injections can reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief.
- Assistive Devices
- Use of braces or slings to support the joint and minimize strain.
- Heat and Ice Therapy
- Heat to relax muscles and improve flexibility; ice to reduce inflammation.
Surgical Treatments (if non-surgical methods fail)
- Arthroscopy
- Minimally invasive procedure to remove loose cartilage or debris from the joint.
- Joint Resurfacing
- Replacement of only the damaged cartilage rather than the entire joint.
- Shoulder Replacement Surgery
- Total or partial replacement of the shoulder joint for severe cases.
- Fusion Surgery
- Rarely performed; fuses bones to stabilize the joint but sacrifices mobility.
Preventive Measures
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint strain.
- Regular low-impact exercises, like swimming or yoga, to keep the joint flexible.
- Proper techniques during sports or heavy lifting.
- Early management of shoulder injuries to prevent complications.